Israel instructs troops in buffer zone with Syria to remain prepared for winter stay
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the deployment in Syria is a temporary security measure following Bashar al-Assad’s removal from power.
The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has instructed troops to fortify their positions in the buffer zone between Syria and Israel for the winter season.
This directive came after insurgent forces took control of Damascus and Assad fled the country. Netanyahu announced the voiding of the 1974 deconfliction agreement with Syria, ordering Israeli forces to establish a security zone in the buffer zone, specifically around Mount Hermon.
Israel’s Defense Minister’s office stated the significant security importance of retaining control over Mount Hermon due to the events unfolding in Syria.
Although Netanyahu welcomed the collapse of the Assad government, he emphasized the need to occupy the buffer zone to prevent any hostile presence during the power vacuum. This occupation is intended as a temporary measure until a long-term solution is found.
Katz’s recent order for troops to hunker down for the winter suggests that the Israeli operations are not a short-term initiative.
The buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli Golan Heights was established by the United Nations after the 1973 Mideast war as a means to maintain peace.
Israel had taken control of parts of the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967. While the U.N. urged Israel to return the territory, Israel retained some control, leading to ongoing tensions.
The 1974 deconfliction agreement did not resolve the Golan Heights dispute between Syria and Israel.
Despite Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights in 1981, international recognition of this move has been limited, with the U.S. officially endorsing Israel’s claims in 2019, during President Trump’s tenure.
While Netanyahu dismissed the 1974 agreement, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged Israel to comply with the agreement to maintain peace in the Golan region.
Several countries, including France and the UAE, have criticized Israel’s actions in Syria, but the U.S. has supported Israel’s concerns about terrorist groups near its borders.
The United States hopes that the Israeli operations in the buffer zone remain temporary and that the 1974 deconfliction agreement is upheld.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this information.
